Custom Truck Paint Jobs - Great Graphic Ideas

We Look Back At Some Of Our Heavy Hitters

By John O'Neill, Photography by The Sport Truck Staff

Sport Truck, April 01, 2005

We thought that it would be appropriate in our Paint and Body issue to take a little trip back in time and revisit several of the trucks that have not only graced the pages of Sport Truck since the turn of the century, but impacted the custom-truck scene with their paint schemes. Much like any other art form, certain trucks tend to influence the way that others build their rides. Many details such as wheels can be directly copied. However, the cool kids on the block never completely duplicate a paintjob - they just pull ideas and elements from existing paint schemes.

It's natural to emulate something you like, though. How many of us tied makeshift capes around our necks and attempted to fly like Superman? Exactly. So, sit back, relax, and give a courtesy flush if you happen to be on the throne because this will be as much fun as jumping off the roof, only we won't be rushing you to the emergency room afterwards.

David Shulman | '98 Ford F-150Painted by: Rhodes Auto Works

David's body-dropped F-150 is a prime example of not only symmetry in design, but a well-executed flow of graphic elements. Anthony at RAW used House of Kolor's Cinnamon Pearl as a base and then built off of that, creating sweeping lines, skulls, and a hand-drawn alligator pattern.

Eric Dunaway | '02 Chevy SilveradoPainted by: Rich Thayer

Eric Dunaway's body-dropped Silverado features a tribal swiss-cheese graphic laid over House of Kolor's Dime Time Green flames with devil tips. The graphics not only find their way around the outside of Eric's truck, but flow through the door panels and jambs as well. The rear of the truck features LED brake lights that reside perfectly flush buried beneath the graphics.

Jay Martinez | '99 GMC Extended CabPainted by: The Hot Rod Shop

Jay Martinez GMC not only features a molded Avalanche front clip, but it also serves as the canvas for a great flame job laid out by Kool Hand Luke of The Hot Rod Shop. House of Kolor's Tangelo was sprayed within each of the licks and pinstriped using yellow. Within the flames are circular accents that were airbrushed using red pigments.

Carlos Botello | '90 Chevy standard cabPainted by: Starbucks Customs

Carlos knew that he wanted flames on his truck, but he was looking for something a little different. Justin from Starbucks Customs hooked him up with a fresh idea of realistic House of Kolor's Cobalt Blue flames with violet-candy accents. Although flames have been a staple of the custom community for decades, Starbucks unique take on them has given many people a fresh take on a classic idea.